Microfabrication of Riblets for Drag Reduction: A Novel UV Approach Utilizing Photolithographic Methods

摘要

Although drag-reducing riblet microstructures have been researched for over two decades and reliably demonstrate up to 10 percent reduction in skin friction1 attempts to apply them to aircraft as a fuel consumption reduction measure have not yet been fully successful. An economically viable implementation has so far been prevented by cost of application, maintenance and a lack of durability.